Coaches

Mike Gibel

Bio: Coach Mike graduated from Saint Joseph's University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mike competed on their varsity rowing team for all 4 years as a lightweight, and received medals from the Dad Vail Regatta, SIRA, Knecht Cup, and more, rowing under John Fife. Prior to St. Joe's Mike rowed for Pennsylvania Athletic Club with a second place finish in the Senior Lightweight 8+ at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Mike competed with the Atlanta Sculling Development Team under Curt Browder. Mike rowed 4 years at Saint Andrew Rowing Club with 3 invitations to the USRowing Youth Invitational.

Rodd Talebi

Bio: Coach Rodd finished his third and final year as a rower for UCLA in 2014. In that time he medaled at WIRA three times (twice in the heavyweight varsity 8), selected to All WIRA First Team in 2014, competed twice at ACRA with the men's heavyweight varsity boat, and elected as Head Captain for his final season. After graduating, he spent a year as the assistant novice coach at his alma mater for the '14-'15 season. He completed a Masters in Analytics at Georgia Tech in 2016 and is excited to have the opportunity to coach the Women's Varsity squad, saying "It's going to be a good year."

Armando Chavez

Bio: Coach Armando began rowing at the University of North Carolina as a novice during his sophomore year. During his time at UNC, he also rowed at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta for the West Side Rowing Club development camp in 2009. In 2011, Armando stroked UNC's coxed varsity four to a national championship win at ACRAs. After graduation, Armando participated in triathlons, adventure races, and a marathon. He returned to rowing after four years and finished third in the Director's Challenge 2x in 2015 with his father. He now trains at the Atlanta Rowing Club and will race the 1x this year at the Head of the Hooch and Head of the Charles. He most recently won the 1x at the Southeast Masters Nationals in 2016. Aside from his daily training, he also enjoys traveling and spending time with his two black Labradors. Armando currently works for Philips Healthcare.

Hayden McKinley

Bio: Coach Hayden graduated from Georgia Tech with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Hayden's first year coaching the Novice Men ended many medal droughts for the novices. This included a Head of the Hooch medal in the Novice Men 8+ (first in 5 years), Dad Vail bronze in the Novice Men 4+ (first in 6 years), and ACRA silver in the Novice Men 4+ (first novice men ACRA medal in GT history). Hayden hiked 300 miles of the AT post graduation, and is currently training for a marathon run.

Sarah Howard

Bio: Coach Sarah attends Georgia Tech for a BS in Industrial Engineering. Sarah began rowing at Tech, where she had been both a rower and coxswain. During her time at Tech, Sarah held an officer position as Women's Vice President. Her first semester coaching ended with the novice women posting their best Fall performance in over five years.

Alec Kaye

Bio: Coach Alec graduated from Georgia Tech with a BS in Industrial Engineering. He competed with Georgia Tech Crew for all four years as a lightweight and heavyweight and received gold medals from the Dad Vail Regatta, SIRA, ACRA, and more. While at Tech, Alec held officer positions as Secretary, Men's Vice President, and President. Prior to Tech, Alec did not row.

David Carlock

Bio: Coach Carlock attends Georgia Tech for a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He competed with Georgia Tech Crew for four consecutive years as a lightweight rower. In 2017, he won the Bob Negaard at the 83rd annual Dad Vail regatta in Philadelphia. Prior to Tech, Carlock did not row. He currently works for AHA Consulting Engineers.